A.C. (Carl) Newman’s first solo effort, The Slow Wonder, had a somewhat magical, Beatles-at-a-bar atmosphere. Now, five years later, Newman’s follow-up has a more developed, even darker feel similar to that of the latest New Pornographers album, Challengers (QRO review).
Solemnly enchanting rock dominates Get Guilty, with some of Newman’s heaviest material date – for any of his projects. The cool shuffle of “The Heartbreak Rides” features a lip-biting fanfare while “Prophets” is a cascading, operatic rock song with a burdened rhythm. There’s a more serious nature to Get Guilty than his earlier works, such as the powerful, but reserved, sleighbell ring and crescendo on “The Changling (Get Guilty)”. Tracks like these define this album as a firm arm-twist on the rambling pop-laced rock Newman’s become known for.
Newman seems to be aging quite gracefully, as the sunny vibes of the past few years are turning to more thoughtful melodies. Get Guilty grips with a firmer handshake and while it’s still rock with a pop spirit, it’s more thought-provoking than most of its contemporaries.
